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Fantasy football 2014: Last-chance waiver wire pickups for Week 3

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A look at some last-minute options that may still be available on the waiver wire before Thursday night's NFL game kicks off.

*This content is provided by our sister site, OregonLive.com. For additional resources, check out OregonLive.com's complete fantasy football coverage.

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A couple days ago we took a look at the best available options on the waiver wire who could help your team in Week 3, but if you weren't quick enough to grab them, some of those options may have been snatched up by your competition.

Does your team have injury concerns that need to be addressed before the Thursday night kickoff? Here's a look around the NFL at some of the best options that may still be available on the waiver wire in both deep and shallow leagues:

Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons: While he may not be available in many deep leagues, Douglas is a must-get if you are hurting at the wide receiver position. Both Julio Jones and Roddy White are banged up with injuries, and Douglas has proven to be a solid option in their absence. He notched over 1,000 yards receiving with the Falcons last season, and if White's bum hamstring continues to be an issue, Douglas could play an even bigger role than expected in the weeks to come.

Knile Davis, RB, Kansas City: Andy Reid has announced that star running back Jamaal Charles will not play this week against the Miami Dolphins. Enter Knile Davis. Last week, Davis had 6 receptions for 26 yards, but did most of his damage on the ground with 22 carries for 79 yards and two scores in a loss to the Denver Broncos. Not only will he be a good option this week, but could prove to be a good play going forward if Charles can't recover from his injury and poor start to the 2014-15 season.

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green continues to suffer with a nagging toe injury that took him out of that game against the Falcons last week. He's questionable for Week 3, and with him out of the lineup, Sanu becomes increasingly valuable. He was electric with three receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. He even added a 50-yard pass on a trick play. Can that magic continue? Look for him to get more looks from quarterback Andy Dalton even if Green plays against the Titans this week.

Danny Woodhead, RB, San Diego Chargers: With the injury to Ryan Matthews, it looks like Woodhead has a good chance of seeing the ball more in San Diego's offense. While some reports indicate his role may not change much, his balance is what makes him an attractive option here. Woodhead is a dual-threat back, meaning he catches the ball well and a while also having the ability to do damage on handoffs. In a win over Seattle last week he had 4 catches for 28 yards and 8 rushes for 32 yards, but no touchdowns. He still has yet to see the end zone his season. If you want to take a chance, you can try to bet on him breaking a big play for a score this week. Play him knowing there is some risk involved.

Shaun Suisham, K, Pittsburgh Steelers: Suisham has been pure money. He has converted all five of his field goal tries on the season, and last week he was the only player to score points for the Steelers in a 26-6 loss against Baltimore.Pittsburgh is really struggling to start the year. It took everything they had to beat Cleveland in Week 1 and they were kicked around by the Ravens in Week 2. Things don't get any better in Week 3 as they get set to face the red-hot Carolina Panthers. If the Steelers' offensive woes continue, Suisham may be their only viable scoring threat, which means points for you. If they have a good day offensively, at least you'll get a few points off PATs. Very little risk involved in this play.


Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros lineups for Thursday night's game

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Danny Salazar makes his 19th start of the season Thursday night. He will try to pitch the Indians to victory so they can keep their slim playoff hopes moving in the right direction. A victory will give the Indians a series victory in this four-game set with Houston.

HOUSTON, Texas -- Here are the lineups for Thursday night's game between the Indians and Astros at Minute Maid Park.

INDIANS

CF Michael Bourn, L.

SS Jose Ramirez, S.

LF Michael Brantley, L.

1B Carlos Santana, S.

2B Jason Kipnis, L.

C Yan Gomes, R.

DH David Murphy, L.

3B Lonnie Chisenhall, L.

RF J.B. Shuck, L.

RHP Danny Salazar, 6-7, 4.22.

ASTROS

LF Robbie Grossman, S.

2B Jose Altuve, R.

CF Dexter Fowler, S.

DH Chris Carter, R.

C Jason Castro, L.

RF Nick Marisnick, R.

1B Jon Singelton, L.

3B Matt Dominquez, R.

SS Gregorio Petit, R.

RHP Scott Feldman, 8-11, 3.95.

Progressive winners play ball on Indians' home field (video and photo gallery)

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Progressive Insurance picked dozens of customers to tour Progressive Field and hobnob with retired Indians legend Len Barker, who pitched a perfect game in 1981, and Slider, the Indians mascot. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Clifford Masch has followed the Indians, and other Cleveland sports teams, his entire life. He never let the heartbreak defeat him.

"I survived The Drive, The Fumble, The Witness and The Return – just about everything you can experience in Cleveland sports," the Aurora resident said.

Masch was rewarded for his loyalty Thursday afternoon at Progressive Field as one of 40 Progressive Insurance customers in Ohio selected to take part in Step Up to the Plate Day at the stadium.

Progressive picked the winners based on essays expressing love for the Indians. Thirty-three were able to make it to the Indians home field Thursday. They suited up in jerseys sporting their names and played baseball.

They also toured the field and hobnobbed with retired Indians legend Len Barker, who pitched a perfect game in 1981, and Slider, the Indians mascot.

Here are quotes from some of those who were on the field Thursday:

Kyle Gordon of Mansfield: "In my essay I wrote about going to Indians games with my dad and crying myself to sleep after game 7 of the World Series (which the Indians lost) in 1997. Today I watch the games with my daughter Elaina."

Ryan Kelly of North Olmsted: "It's a crazy feeling. It's not often you find out by email that you've been chosen to play baseball at Progressive Field. It's like it wasn't real."

John Sandora of Copley: "I'm a lifetime Indians fan. I grew up in Youngstown and the local firehouse would take kids to the old (Municipal) Stadium."

Here's the entire list of winners:

Shouvik (Sam) Majumdar of Mayfield Heights

JD Drcar of Mentor

Danny Woodrum of Madison

Ryan Sheehan of Fairview Park

Kyle Gordon of Mansfield

Richard Price Jr. of Canton

Jeff Throckmorton of Willoughby Hills

Jason Tabeling of Westlake

Keven Krajnak of Eastlake

Laura Peterson of Cleveland

Sam Corbin of Akron

Jeff Beebe of Ashland

Gary Johnson of Concord

Phil Turk of Strongsville

Alex Burik of Westlake

Tommy Klayko of Canton

Dale Willis of Shaker Heights

Robert Ballis of Stow

Darren Cross of Cleveland Heights

Chris Maresh of Strongsville

Mike Balzer of Strongsville

Rachelle Ramirez of Sheffield Village

Ryan Kelly of North Olmsted

Michael Arnoff of Lyndhurst

Jeff Kadlub of Willoughby

Tim Katrinak of Mentor

Rita Coughenour of Parma

Ryanne Haditsch of Middleburg Heights

Kevin Leist of Rocky River

Clifford Masch of Aurora

Mike Gibson of Mansfield

Michael Bearer of Akron

John Sandora of Copley

2014 Fantasy Football: Fedor's Forecast for Week 3

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Week 3 is just hours away from kicking off with the Falcons and the Buccaneers. Who should you start? Who should you sit? What to watch for this weekend? And what sleepers will be awoken?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It was a tough week in fantasy football. Injuries and suspensions were the stories once again. Before Sunday, the Vikings deactivated Adrian Peterson, a fantasy stud who many owners used a top 5 pick on. Then when the games started, the carnage continued. Robert Griffin III, Jamaal Charles, Ryan Mathews, DeSean Jackson and A.J. Green all went down.

The season is far from over and there's no reason to panic, but make sure you are an aggressive owner, willing to take advantage of the waiver wire.

Week 3 is just hours away from kicking off with the Falcons and the Buccaneers. Who should you start? Who should you sit? What to watch for this weekend? And what sleepers will be awoken? 

Starts

QB Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks – He's playing against Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning in a Super Bowl rematch so he may need to score some points. Wilson quietly has four touchdowns in the first two games. He has 35 against seven interceptions in his career at CenturyLink Field.

RB Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots – After receiving eight carries in the first game, Ridley got 25 in New England's win against Minnesota as he rushed for more than 100 yards. With Oakland this weekend, the Pats will likely get up early and go into clock-killing mode with Ridley leading the way.

RB Khiry Robinson, New Orleans Saints – He's the beneficiary of Mark Ingram's broken hand. With Pierre Thomas serving the role of pass-catcher, Robinson will get some work, especially near the goal line thanks to his violent running style. Minnesota allowed more than 100 yards and a touchdown in the loss against New England.

WR Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – He was targeted a whopping 33 times in the two games against Atlanta last season. He hauled in 20 for 303 yards and three touchdowns. His slow start ends tonight against a defense that ranks 31st against the pass.

WR Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers – He's another player off to a quiet start. Allen's struggles are more understandable since the first two games he's played against Seattle's Richard Sherman and Arizona's Patrick Peterson. The last two No. 1 receivers to face Buffalo - Brandon Marshall and Mike Wallace - have found the end zone. Look for Allen to do the same.

Sits

QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers – After limiting Detroit's Matthew Stafford to one touchdown last week, Carolina has proven to be one of the stingiest defenses. Roethlisberger struggled against Baltimore and I expect it to be two tough games in a row.

RB Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers – Despite a myriad of injuries, the Cardinals are third against the run. Last year, Gore had 14 yards on 13 carries in the final game of the regular season against the Cards. He has yet to top 66 yards despite two soft opponents (Dallas and Chicago) to start this season. Stay away this weekend.

RB Shane Vereen, New England Patriots – With the Patriots likely getting out to a quick lead against the Raiders, the worst team in the NFL, New England will lean on Ridley. Vereen was in the secondary role last week, getting six carries. It's the Patriots so it's tough to know what they will do with Vereen this week and I don't trust him unless the Pats play a better opponent to keep the game close.

Victor CruzView full sizeNew York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) has gotten off to a slow start. 

WR Victor Cruz, New York Giants – He asked for the ball more this past week and was targeted 10 times. He also had three drops. New York's shaky offensive line against the Houston Texans' strong defensive front isn't a good matchup.

WR James Jones, Oakland Raiders – He has quietly put up good numbers in the first two weeks, scoring a touchdown in each game. This weekend, he's making a trip to Revis Island. I don't expect the Raiders to move the ball very much.

Sleepers 

QB Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins – Tannehill told reporters he hasn't been at his best this season, and he's right. That could change this weekend as the Kansas City Chiefs have allowed five passing touchdowns, including a pair to Tennessee's Jake Locker.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts – He's better than Trent Richardson and the Colts have realized it. There's a split in playing time, but Bradshaw has gotten 90 snaps compared to 60 for Richardson. With a meeting against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that allowed two rushing touchdowns to Washington last week, Bradshaw should be involved more on offense.

RB Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati Bengals – New offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has made a commitment to the running game. Hill received 15 carries, converting one of those for a touchdown. DeMarco Murray's physical running wore down Tennessee last week. Hill should do the same on Sunday.

Brian QuickView full sizeSt. Louis Rams' Brian Quick (83) is second in the NFL in catches. 

WR Brian Quick, St. Louis Rams – There's one wide receiver (Jordy Nelson) with more catches than Quick so far. The former second rounder has emerged as the No. 1 option in St Louis' passing game, getting targeted 18 times in two games. No matter what happened last week I don't believe in Dallas' defense. I don't believe you should either.

WR Jermaine Kearse, Seattle Seahawks – Kearse grabbed four balls for 65 yards and a touchdown the last time he played Denver. It's simply a gut call as the Seahawks might need to pass against the Broncos.

Bold Predictions

Kirk Cousins will reward fantasy owners for their waiver wire investment – Many scrambled to swoop Cousins, especially after he threw for 250 yards and two TDs following the injury to RG3. Cousins isn't that good, which some realized last year when he took over the starting job, throwing four touchdowns against seven interceptions. However, this matchup against Philadelphia, which has allowed five touchdown passes, is too good to pass up.

Arizona's Andre Ellington will score his first touchdown – It won't be easy against the San Francisco 49ers as they are allowing 86 yards on the ground. But with Jonathan Dwyer deactivated, Ellington will likely stay in near the goal line, giving him opportunities he didn't get the first two games.

Steven JacksonView full sizeWill the drought end for Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) tonight? 

Atlanta's Steven Jackson will rush for 100 yards – It's been 19 games since it has happened. Owners need to go back to Nov. 25, 2012. But the drought finally ends tonight. The Buccaneers are unlikely to have linebacker Mason Foster, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Jackson is averaging more than four yards per carry so the talent is still there.

Saints wide receiver Marques Colston rebounds – Colston failed to catch a pass for the first time in 87 games last week against the Cleveland Browns. He'll be motivated to keep the Saints from starting 0-3. At home, against the Minnesota Vikings, a team that allowed the second-most points to wide receivers last year, Colston is due for a bounce-back performance.

Mike Evans scores his first NFL touchdown and becomes a sleeper – It's been a quiet start for Evans, who has nine catches in the first two games. But with a game against the Falcons tonight, Evans will have the best opportunity for the breakout that people in Tampa Bay have been looking for. Atlanta has given up two touchdowns through the air, but is allowing 318 yards per game. 

What to watch for

Tony Romo's protection against St. Louis – Romo, one of the top fantasy QBs the last few seasons, has two touchdowns. Because of the Cowboys' protection issues, Dallas has turned to the ground game. It might be time to think about putting Romo on benches if things don't change in Dallas.

Donald Brown vs. Danny Woodhead in the Chargers backfield – Many scrambled to the waiver wire earlier this week, hoping to find some way to navigate the injuries. Brown was one of the top targets. He was brought to San Diego as a free agent and may get his chance with the injury to Mathews.  It's still a crowded backfield and how many opportunities Woodhead gets will determine Brown's value moving forward.

The role of Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon in Minnesota – With Matt Asiata rushing for 36 yards on 13 carries last week, the Vikings may be looking for some kind of boost to replace Adrian Peterson. It may not be this week against New Orleans. It may not be next week. But McKinnon is a freak athlete and may be tough to keep on the sidelines if Asiata doesn't pick up his play.

Roddy WhiteView full sizeAtlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White may miss Thursday's game against Tampa Bay. 

Roddy White's injury – White might miss Atlanta's Thursday night game with a hamstring injury. If it happens, Harry Douglas will see an increase in snaps and targets. If you have White and a free spot on the roster, grab Douglas just in case.

Wes Welker's return – Back from suspension, Welker figures to be a big part of the Denver offense. What does that mean for free-agent pickup Emmanuel Sanders? How much will Welker be involved early? Manning is a rhythm QB and Welker missing the first two games could relegate him to a small role against Seattle. It might be wise to keep him on the bench until there are more answers.

With Ohio State on horizon, 4 Cincinnati football players disciplined after legal incidents

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One player was suspended for at least four games and the other three disciplined after an incident at a party, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nine days before Cincinnati will be in Ohio Stadium for a 6 p.m. showdown with Ohio State on Sept. 27, the Bearcats on Thursday announced disciplinary measures for four players, including leading rusher Hosey Williams.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the measures stemmed from an incident at a party last weekend, when police were called after reports of gunshots. None of the players were involved with the guns, but the presence of the police led to their issues.

From the Enquirer report:

Freshman cornerback Alex Thomas, 18, was arrested after police say he ran when officers arrived, despite their commands to stop.
Hosey Williams, 23, a senior who is the team's No. 1 starting running back, was cited for disorderly conduct while intoxicated.
Cincinnati police also determined two other football players, junior Leviticus Payne, 20, and sophomore Ey'Shawn McClain, 21, had outstanding warrants for minor drug crimes. Payne is a starter at defensive back. McClain is a backup linebacker.

Williams rushed for 103 yards on 14 carries in the Bearcats' opening win over Toledo. He led the team with 655 rushing yards last season. 

In a statement, coach Tommy Tuberville announced that Thomas will miss at least four games, until his court date on Oct. 14. He said the others were "cited for minor misdemeanors" and "disciplined for their involvement in the incident."

"This kind of behavior is not acceptable and not indicative of the UC football program," Tuberville said in the statement. "Moving forward, we will continue to educate our players on making good decisions and being great representatives of the University."

Cincinnati was off for the first two weeks of the season before beating Toledo 58-34 on Friday. The Bearcats host Miami (Ohio) on Saturday.

Sports Insider: Mary Kay Cabot previews Browns-Ravens; Paul Hoynes and Joe Vardon join the show (video)

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Dan Labbe and Chris Fedor were joined Mary Kay Cabot, Paul Hoynes and Joe Vardon on today's edition of Sports Insider.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On today's Sports Insider, cleveland.com's Chris Fedor and Dan Labbe talked Browns, Cavs and Indians. You can watch the archive of the show above.

Mary Kay Cabot talked about the Browns' win against the New Orleans Saints over the weekend and whether they can make it two straight with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town. 

Paul Hoynes called in from Houston to talk about the comeback Carlos Carrasco has made and whether Corey Kluber still has a chance to win the American League Cy Young. 

To finish the show, Joe Vardon came in studio to talk about his new role covering LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers and what readers can look for with his coverage. 

Will the Akron Zips measure up to Marshall's Thundering Herd

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The Akron Zips look to get their second victory of the season against undefeated Marshall.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It seems the hunt always goes on for that defining moment in the world of sports. For the Akron Zips, Saturday's game with Marshall, in some form or fashion, could be a defining moment for the football program. A few quick thoughts:

Just how good? After three straight 1-11 seasons, then a breakthrough three wins in the last four games of 2013, the question now is just how good are the Zips? Marshall, scoring 42, 48 and 44  points in the first three games, is the 2014 measuring stick for junior quarterback Kyle Pohl, (516 yards/4 TD) and an experienced Akron offense. Can Pohl and the Zips sustain drives and score at the end of them? It's not so much if Akron wins or loses, but truly how -- offensively -- the Zips play the game.

D' real deal: Akron's defense, in particular its front seven, have been particularly solid this season as the Zips held Morgan State to a shutout in the season opener, then only 21 points by Penn State a week later. If the defensive backfield can hold up against Marshall, and WR Davonte Allen (101.7 ypg,), then getting 40 points will be a chore for the Thundering Herd.

On the run: Until proven otherwise, running the football is Akron's weak link. Hopefully the addition of Tommy Brown, the junior Ohio State transfer at tackle, will solidify the line enough to get a push for a running game. Marshall has one, averaging 286.7 yards on the ground after three games this season. If this game is close, the Zips (91.0 ypg) better have one as well.

Win or lose: The Zips remain a main contender in the Mid-American Conference East Division race, thanks to a schedule that includes the four offensively challenged teams in the league (Eastern Michigan, Ohio University, Miami and Kent State). However, without an upset this week or next (at Pitt), the Zips will also likely be an upset away from not becoming bowl eligible.

Bowling Green looks for second straight win over a Big Ten team

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Bowling Green plays its second straight game against a Big Ten opponent, and looks for a second straight victory.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Bowling Green has become the team living on a tightrope early in the 2014 football season. Which side of the football holds the Falcons fortunes this week? And can Northern Illinois keep rolling? Saturday's quick hits around the Mid-American Conference:

Offense or defense?: Will Bowling Green (2-1) and its prolific offense (41.3 ppg/520.7 ypg) earn another thrilling victory, coming off 45-42 win over Indiana? This week the Falcons are at No. 19 Wisconsin (1-1). Or, will BG's worst defense (36.0 ppg/567.3 ypg) in the conference cough up another loss? Game time: noon, ESPN2.

Tough matchup: Rebuilding Miami (0-3) has a yeoman chore, taking on neighboring rival Cincinnati (1-0), one week after falling to Michigan. UC showed no mercy in its opener vs. Toledo (58-34). The RedHawks defense does have some sparks, including DB Quinten Rollins, who has two interceptions in his last two games. But offense has only scored 10 points in each of its last two games. Game time: 7 p.m. CBS Sports Net.

Back home: After opening the season with three straight on the road, Ohio University (1-2) plays its first home game, taking on Idaho (0-2). The Bobcats are one of several MAC teams struggling to score as they have not posted more than two TDs in any game this season. The Vandals are coming off a 45-33 home loss to Western Michigan. Game time: 7 p.m. ESPN3 (internet).

That's 17 straight: The best program in the MAC, the Northern Illinois Huskies (3-0), put a 17-game road winning streak on the line at Arkansas (2-1). The SEC, unlike the Big Ten, has not been kind to the MAC this season, outscoring MAC opponents in four games by the combined score of 168-58. The Huskies, however, have a defense (340.0 ypg) and and offense (42.0 ppg/550.7 ypg) capable of making this very interesting. Game time: 7 p.m. ESPNU.

Other MAC games

Eastern Michigan at Michigan State, noon, BTN.
Central Michigan at Kansas, 3:30, Fox Sports Net
Norfolk State at Buffalo, 3:30, ESPN3 (internet)
UMass at Penn State, 4 p.m., BTN
Ball State at Toledo, 7 p.m., ESPN3 (internet)
Murray State at Western Michigan, 7 p.m., ESPN3 (internet)
Kent State, bye


College football picks, Week 4: Shout it from the tabletops, Clemson will upset Winston-less FSU

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Can Florida State survive Jameis Winston's latest off-field issue?

The crazy thing about making predictions in college football is the unpredictable.

Take Florida State's showdown with Clemson.

Who would have thought that arguably the toughest ACC game of the season for the defending national champion would fall on the weekend after its Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback decides to stand up on a table at the student union and scream an obscenity that gets him suspended for the first half.

How do you predict that?

Well, if you follow Winston, you almost expect these things to happen now. He was accused of, but not charged with, sexual assault. Then came "Crabgate."

You'd think, after all that, he'd keep a low profile. Instead, he can't stay out of his own way.

You know something like that's going to happen in college football. These guys are transitioning out of their teens to adulthood and they've been coddled as star athletes. That's a bit of a dangerous equation, even if there are forces (like team rules) working to counter those impulses.

But the Heisman Trophy winner? The week before the Clemson game? C'mon, man!

I'm not here to contribute to the media gang tackle of Winston. The national media, the home-state media, and the local media have all done a sufficient job of it. And Winston deserves it.

I'm just saying that no amount of outrage is going to change the fundamentals here. College football players are kids we put on a pedestal. Some will handle it well. Some not so well.

That predictably unpredictable part of human behavior is part of what makes picking games so, well, unpredictable. So on we go...

Game of the Week

No. 22 Clemson at No. 1 Florida State: With Winston out, all eyes are on Sean Maguire, Winston's backup, who will have to carry the load for the first half. FSU is now officially missing Jacob Coker.

Clemson was blown out by Georgia and it's easy to dismiss the Tigers, even with Winston out for a half. But Clemson was strong in the first half of the Georgia game, and a strong start Saturday could put the Seminoles in a serious hole.

Between Winston being benched and then perhaps not sufficiently engaged when he does get into the game, Florida State not playing exceptionally well so far this season and Clemson being motivated by last year's embarrassment in Death Valley, you get the feeling this year might be different. ... Clemson, 34-31

Upset alert

Virginia at No. 21 BYU: BYU has to be feeling good about itself. After blowing past Texas a couple weeks ago, the Cougars beat a pretty good Houston team to move to 3-0.

Virginia should be no problem. Right?

Don't be so sure. If the Cavaliers didn't turn the ball over so much in a season-opening loss to UCLA, the Cavs would have two Top 25 wins after last week's 23-21 upset of Louisville.

The Hoos are turning the corner for Mike London. But can they go two time zones away and stop a quarterback in Taysom Hill who gets it done both with his arm (689 yards) and legs (356 yards)?

BYU survives and the Cougars' schedule starts to look good for a gaudy record. ... Cougars, 27-20

Big Time

Mississippi State at No. 8 LSU: This should be a Top 25 matchup as the 3-0 Bulldogs have played like a ranked team, albeit against three opponents outside the power five conferences.

LSU has won 14 straight against the Bulldogs and Les Miles has never lost to the cowbells. If there was a team built to break those streaks, its this MSU team which has talent, like Louisiana native Dak Prescott at quarterback, and experience.

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the game's in Baton Rouge and the Tigers' defense has been splendid, even if the offense has shown its youth.

This will be low-scoring and physical and, at the end, home field matters. ... Tigers, 17-13

Blake SimsAlabama quarterback Blake Sims (6) salutes the fans after the no. 2 Alabama vs West Virginia NCAA football game, Saturday, August 30, 2014, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. Vasha Hunt/vhunt@al.com 

Florida at No. 3 Alabama: Can Blake Sims be a quarterback that can lead Alabama to big wins?

This is the first real test against a big-time defense. Florida has an excellent defense, even if it did give up points to Kentucky last week. The Gators, off to a 2-0 start, want to show they are back after last year's disaster. What better place to let that be known than Tuscaloosa?

Unfortunately for Florida, the Gators offense still looks pedestrian and that doesn't cut it against the Alabama defense. Another low-scoring, SEC affair here. ... Alabama, 20-10

No. 4 Oklahoma at West Virginia: Forget Tennessee, West Virginia may be Oklahoma's first real test.

Clint Trickett has put up numbers against everybody the Mountaineers have played, including Alabama. This could truly be a shootout.

But Oklahoma, unlike West Virginia, also plays defense ... Sooners, 41-24

Miami at No. 24 Nebraska: New rule: You can't upset a Big Ten team. We almost expect them to lose.

But this week, I like Nebraska. Brad Kaaya is going to be a very good quarterback for the Hurricanes, but he's not ready to win big games on the road as a true freshman. ... Huskers 30-17

Quick hits

Indiana at No. 18 Missouri: A middling Big Ten team AT a defending SEC division champion? What else do you need to know? ... Mizzou, 34-21

Bowling Green at No. 19 Wisconsin: Bowling Green knocked off Indiana last week. Wisconsin, however, is better than Indiana. ... Badgers, 31-20

No. 14 South Carolina at Vanderbilt: This game would have been interesting last year. This year, Vandy is back to being Vandy and after last week's win over Georgia, the Ball Coach is back as well. ... Gamecocks, 34-10

No. 2 Oregon at Washington State: The over-under for this game is 75 points, most of any game this weekend. One suspects that most of those 75 will be scored by the Ducks. ... Oregon, 51-27

Top 25 Gimmes: No. 11 Michigan State over Eastern Michigan, No. 13 Georgia over Troy, No. 6. Texas A&M over SMU.

Cleveland Planning Commission OKs LeBron James banner; Cleveland Heights murder suspects deny charges; Cedar Point remaking Mantis: Northeast Ohio News Links

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Also, Akron woman shot during argument over money; North Ridgeville police arrest Circle K robbery suspect; Youngstown police investigate early-morning stabbing; 19-year-old woman hit by car in Painesville; Rockin' on the River moving from Cuyahoga Falls to Lorain; and half marathon race at Akron Marathon is sold out.

Top stories:

The Cleveland City Planning Commission voted Friday to approve a massive banner showcasing LeBron James. (cleveland.com)(WKYC Channel 3)

Two brothers charged in the death of Cleveland Heights restaurant owner Jim Brennan denied charges today that they robbed a gas station hours after Brennan's slaying. (cleveland.com)(WEWS Channel 5)

Cedar Point announced Thursday it would remake Mantis – a stand-up roller coaster added to the park in 1996 – into a floorless, sit-down coaster, debuting in May and called Rougarou. (cleveland.com)(Lorain Morning Journal)

Area crime news:

A man is accused of shooting a woman in the leg once and her home three times Thursday during an argument about money. (cleveland.com)(WOIO Channel 19)

It took just about 10 minutes for North Ridgeville police to catch and arrest a Columbia Station man who robbed the Circle K in Eaton Township Thursday. (Lorain Morning Journal)(Elyria Chronicle-Telegram)

Younsgtown police are investigating an early morning stabbing at a home on the city's West Side. (Youngstown Vindicator)

The Geauga County Sheriff's Office is investigating a reported burglary of an Amish-owned business Wednesday in Huntsburg Township. (News-Herald)

Prosecutors want to reduce the domestic violence charge against Lorain County Engineer Ken Carney in a May incident with his live-in girlfriend because the victim's testimony doesn't line up with the charge Carney faces, although his attorney opposes the move. (Elyria Chronicle-Telegram)

A Sandusky man was arrested Thursday afternoon for allegedly touching himself in a BGSU Firelands hallway. (Sandusky Register)

Local news – east:

A 19-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after she was hit by a car Thursday in Painesville Township. (News-Herald)

The arm of the Geauga County Public Library System serving residents of the far northeastern portion of the county now is housed in space once used as a library in the former Ledgemont Elementary School. (News-Herald)

The Saybrook Plaza boasts a new store - Peebles Department Store, which opened Thursday morning. (Ashtabula Star Beacon)

Local news – west:

The Rockin' on the River summer concert series will have a new home in Lorain in 2015 after 28 years in Cuyahoga Falls. (cleveland.com)(Lorain Morning Journal

No one was injured in a fire at the Elyria Foundry about 5 p.m. Thursday, according to a company news release. (Elyria Chronicle-Telegram)

A Bellevue High School student's Facebook page contends a former classmate's claims of racism and bullying at his school are untrue. (Sandusky Register)

Akron-Canton area news:

The 13th annual Akron Marathon has officially sold out the half marathon race. (cleveland.com)(AkronNewsNow.com)

An investigation continues into a two-vehicle fatal crash in Osnaburg Township in Stark County Thursday evening. (WNIR 100.1-FM)

Copley teachers voted no on a proposed contract renewal with the Copley-Fairlawn Board of Education, noting educators continue to work without a contract even after agreeing to a three-year wage freeze. (AkronNewsNow.com)

John Carroll football coach coy about QB Mark Myers' status for Heidelberg: Division II-III previews

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John Carroll QB Mark Myers returns to practice, but coach Tom Arth won't say if he will play in showdown against Heidelberg.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Will injured John Carroll quarterback Mark Myers play against Heidelberg in Saturday's showdown between nationally ranked, Ohio Athletic Conference teams?

"I don't know,'' JCU coach Tom Arth responded.

Then it becomes more clear, and less clear at the same time. Arth knows, but ...

"I'm not going to let that out,'' he added.

Myers has been sidelined with an injured left (throwing) hand since early August and did not practice for more than a month. He has been practicing this week.

"He's been fine – limited in what we have him do,'' Arth said.

That's an indication Myers' return is more likely than a week ago, when Arth called Myers' injury "significant" and said the team was "kind of proceding as if he will not be playing (against Heidelberg).''

Myers, a senior from Pepper Pike and St. Ignatius, has thrown for 6,170 career yards and 53 touchdowns in two seasons at John Carroll. His replacement, senior Wes Keller, passed for 126 yards and three touchdowns in a season-opening, 44-0 victory against Saint Vincent.

Regardless of Myers' availability, the 1:30 p.m. game at JCU will feature at least one highly regarded quarterback from Northeast Ohio. Heidelberg senior Michael Mees (North Ridgeville), a four-year starter, as tied an HU career record with 69 TD passes.

Arth sang Heidelberg's praises this week in a Plain Dealer interview.

"I see no weaknesses in them on both sides of the ball and special teams,'' he said. "We have our work cut out for us.''

Arth called last year's 48-7 victory against Heidelberg, which raised JCU's record to 9-0, the team's best win. The Blue Streaks finished 9-2.

Here's a capsule preview of that game and others involving Northeast Ohio Division II and Division III colleges Saturday:

DIVISION III

No. 16 Heidelberg (1-0, 0-0) at No. 10 John Carroll (1-0, 0-0), 1:30 p.m.

What: Ohio Athletic Conference game

Last week: Both teams were off. Heidelberg beat Alma, 72-7, and JCU beat Saint Vincent, 44-0, on Sept. 6.

Radio: WJCU 88.7 FM

Notable: A game that will go a long way toward deciding Mount Union's top challenger. JCU QB Mark Myers could see his first action since suffering a hand injury in August and he'll be surrounded by a veteran, talented team. Heidelberg features one of the nation's best 1-2 punches in QB Michael Mees (69 career TD passes, 6,445 yards) and RB Cartel Brooks (3,954 career yards, 51 TDs), who is 123 yards short of the school career rushing mark.

Ohio Northern (1-0, 0-0) at Baldwin Wallace (1-0, 0-0), 1:30 p.m.

What: Ohio Athletic Conference game

Last week: ONU was off. It won at Washington (Mo.), 31-24, on Sept. 6. BW beat Bluffton, 32-20.

Radio: WBWC, 88.3 FM

NotableBW lost incoming QB Kyle Ohradzansky to a broken leg four days before last week's opener. Junior Tyler Moeglin stepped in and passed for 237 yards and one TD, throwing to seven different receivers. Junior Isaac Reed III rushed for 137 yards and a TD. LB Dan O'Brien had 12 tackles, including three for losses. ONU senior QB Patrick Angle had 295 yards and three TDs combined rushing and passing and RB Justin Magazine had 154 yards and a TD rushing.

Case Western Reserve (1-0, 1-0) at Saint Vincent (0-2, 0-0), 1 p.m.

What: Presidents Athletic Conference game

Last week: CWRU was off. It beat Carnegie Mellon, 33-0, on Sept. 6. Saint Vincent lost at Waynesburg, 35-24.

Notable: CWRU junior LB Everett Dishong had a monster game against CM: 13 tackles, four for losses, two sacks, three pass break-ups. CWRU's 498 yards of offense included 317 passing by senior QB Billy Beecher, who also accounted for three TDs. SV has been outscored, 79-24, and is averaging 189 yards offense in two games.

Allegheny (0-1, 0-0) at Hiram (2-0, 1-0), 1 p.m.

What: North Coast Athletic Conference game

Last week: Allegheny lost to Theil, 28-14. Hiram beat Denison, 37-26.

Notable: Senior DE Mario Lemuel had three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble, and Hiram forced eight turnovers against Denison. QB Robert Partridge passed for 259 yards and three TDs and freshman RB Danny Robinson had 145 total yards. Allegheny was one of two teams Hiram beat last year.

No. 3 Mount Union (1-0, 0-0) at Muskingum (0-1, 0-0), 1:30 p.m.

What: Ohio Athletic Conference game

Last week: Both teams were off. Muskingum lost at Waynesburg, 33-0, and UMU won at Bethany, 58-7, on Sept. 6.

Radio: WDPN 1310 AM, WRMU 91.1 FM

Notable: UMU senior QB Kevin Burke passed for a career-high 411 passing yards with three touchdowns against Bethany. In his first start, junior WR Roman Namdar caught eight passes for 162 yards. Muskingum had 185 yards rushing against Waynesburg, but was 1-for-13 on third downs and had an interception returned for a touchdown.

Wooster (0-1, 0-0) at Oberlin (1-1, 1-0), 7 p.m.

What: North Coast Athletic Conference game

Last week: Wooster lost at Washington & Jefferson, 51-17. Oberlin won at Kenyon, 47-28.

Radio: WOBL, 1320 AM

Notable: Oberlin opens up the new, $8 million Austin E. Knowlton Athletics Complex with synthetic turf and lights. Oberlin QB Richard Poggiali had five TDs passing and rushing against Kenyon. Wooster QB Richard Barnes, a fifth-year senior from Painesville Harvey, passed for a school-record 2,243 yards last year. In a series that dates to 1903, Wooster leads 66-22-2 and has won he last seven meetings.

DIVISION II

Walsh (1-1, 1-1) at Lake Erie (0-2, 0-0), 7 p.m.

What: Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game

Last week: Walsh lost to Ashland, 41-17. LEC lost to Hillsdale, 48-41.

Radio: WFUN, 970 AM

Notable: LEC has the nation's No. 1 running back and last-ranked defense. Junior Anthony Bilal's 417 yards rushing leads Division II and his six TDs rank second. LEC is allowing an average of 642 yards and 57 points per game. In his first game in almost a year because of a knee injury, Walsh WR Anthony Schrock of Wadsworth caught five passes last week.

Notre Dame College (2-0, 1-0) at West Virginia Wesleyan (1-1, 1-0), noon

What: Mountain East Conference

Last week: NDC beat Urbana, 28-13. WVW beat Virginia-Wise, 23-7.

Radio: WKNR2, 1540 AM

Notable: NDC is 2-0 for the first time. Senior QB Ray Russ's three TD passes in each game this season gives him 50 for his career. Tight end Ray J. Brown has a 24-game pass-catching streak.

Dennis Manoloff on the biggest obstacle for the Browns and how many of the remaining games the Indians will win: Podcast

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How did the win against the New Orleans Saints change the view of the season? What is the biggest key against Baltimore this weekend? The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Podcast: Dennis Manoloff talks Cleveland sports (09/19/14)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- How did the win against the New Orleans Saints change the view of the season? What is the biggest key against Baltimore this weekend? 

The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Chris Fedor.

Among other topics discussed:

  • How many of the final 10 games do the Indians need to win to make the playoffs?
  • Will the Indians make the playoffs?
  • Is there any concern about the Browns' defense?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow DMan on Twitter.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell holds press conference on domestic violence (live coverage)

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Join us live in the comments section as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media at 3 p.m.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will hold a press conference today at 3 p.m. to discuss domestic violence issues and changes to the league's personal conduct policy.

It's Goodell's first public appearance in this setting since a video of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice striking his wife appeared on TMZ. Goodell had an exclusive interview with Norah O'Donnell of CBS last Wednesday and he hasn't been seen since, cancelling a few public appearances. Goodell has since been criticized for his handling of Rice's suspension and other cases in the NFL regarding domestic violence.

The press conferences comes a day after Goodell sent a memo to the 32 teams announcing partnerships with the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

Follow along in the comments section below starting at 3 p.m. 

Mike Pettine gives young players a history lesson on Baltimore Ravens and where they originated: Cleveland Browns quick slants

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Coach said he got 'quizzical' looks from some players surprised to learn the Ravens moved from Cleveland.

BEREA, Ohio – When it comes to young players Browns coach Mike Pettine assumes very little.

Especially as it pertains to history.

When the coach introduced this week's opponent in Wednesday's team meeting he included the story of how Ravens moved from Cleveland after the 1995 season.

"(It was) just to give them a bit of a background if our fans seem a little bit more venomous than usual, this is why," Pettine said. "I would've been surprised if most of the guys in the room did know the history. Some of these guys were born in the '90s, so they have no idea."

And, were some eyebrows raised as Pettine explained the history of the teams?

"Yeah, I get a lot of quizzical looks during team meetings anyway," he said. "(But) it was more so than usual."

Browns rookie Terrance West, a Baltimore native, said he was unaware of the franchise move until he arrived in Berea.  

"I had heard one of the players say it before, but I really didn't listen to him until Coach said it," said West, who grew up a Ravens fan. "I'm like 'it's really serious?' That's crazy. He told us about how the fans were mad. Then, a couple years later they won the Super Bowl."

Pettine was a Ravens' assistant from 2002-08. He sensed the added hostility every trip into FirstEnergy Stadium.

"You just feel I," Pettin said. "Knowing the history maybe you put a little more in your mind anyway. You definitely felt it. I was in the video department. I worked with John Dube. He was the video director here. (Media relations executive) Kevin Byrne was here. Obviously, Ozzie (Newsome). Some of the people that were here told the stories and a lot of it's been chronicled already in the (NFL Films) Cleveland '95 thing. But having heard what happened toward the end, you understood it."

Injury update

The Browns are listing tight end Jordan Cameron (shoulder) and outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo (shoulder) as questionable for Sunday's game.

Both players, who missed last week's game, practiced Friday on a limited basis.

"They got some work in," Pettine said.

Ben Tate (knee) will miss his second straight game.

Foul weather

Pettine often speaks about the need for an 'all-weather' offense. The unit might get its first climatic test Sunday. The forecast calls for rain and the coach is expecting windy conditions at the stadium.

The Browns rank tied for fifth in rushing. The Ravens are 14th in that category.

On Friday, Browns quarterbacks were throwing balls soaked in a bucket of water. The drill nearly produced a mishap as the quarterbacks caught wet balls as well as threw them.

"I just saw (Brian) Hoyer almost get his nose broken," Pettine said.

Here is the statement on the NFL's new drug policy and the rules governing Josh Gordon's ban

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Josh Gordon's minimum season-long drug ban has been reduced to 10 games, and here are the new rules governing his suspension.

BEREA, Ohio -- JOINT NFL-NFLPA STATEMENT
ON WIDE-RANGING CHANGES TO DRUG PROGRAMS:
 
The NFL and NFL Players Association have reached agreement on a wide-ranging series of improvements to their programs on substance abuse and performance enhancing substances that include the use of third-party arbitration appeals of positive tests, implementation of testing for human growth hormone within the next few weeks and revised disciplinary standards for DUIs and marijuana.
 
"With these changes, the NFL and NFLPA once again have the finest and most comprehensive set of drug policies in sports," Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
 
"Our collectively bargained drug policies set the standard for testing protocols and fairness in all of sport," said NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith. "We are proud to continue a legacy of protecting the integrity of our game."
 
Key revisions to the program are:
 
·         HGH testing will be fully implemented this season.  Information on testing procedures will be sent to clubs and players within the week, and testing should begin by the end of this month.
 
·         Appeals of positive tests in both the substance abuse and performance enhancing drug programs (including HGH) will be heard by third-party arbitrators jointly selected appointed and retained by the NFL and NFLPA.  Appeals will be processed more expeditiously under uniform rules and procedures.
 
·         Discipline of players for certain violations in the 2014 league year will be adjusted by certain aspects of the new policies. Wes Welker of the Denver Broncos, Orlando Scandrick of the Dallas Cowboys and Stedman Bailey of the St. Louis Rams were eligible to return to their teams this week. Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns and free agent LaVon Brazill will be eligible to return after 10 games.
 
·         Discipline for violations of the performance enhancing drug policy (including for HGH) will be modified.
 
o   A first violation will result in a suspension without pay of up to six games depending on the nature of the violation. Use of a diuretic or masking agent will result in a suspension without pay of two games. Use of a steroid, stimulant, HGH or other banned substance will result in a suspension without pay of four games. Evidence of an attempt to manipulate a test will result in a suspension without pay of six games.
 
o   A second violation of the steroid policy will result in a suspension without pay of 10 games.  A third violation will result in banishment for a minimum of two years.
 
o   Players who test positive for banned stimulants in the off-season will no longer be suspended.  Instead, the player will be referred to the substance abuse program.  Players who test positive for banned stimulants during the season will continue to be suspended without pay for four games.
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·         In cases involving discipline for violations other than positive tests (for example, a violation of law), the Commissioner will retain his current disciplinary authority.  A player will have a right of appeal based on due process issues or a claim of disparate punishment.  This appeal will be heard by a member of the existing CBA Appeals Panel.
 
    •    Two discipline stages will be added for marijuana positives, as follows: a first violation will result in referral to the substance abuse program, as is the case today.  Subsequent violations will result in a two-game fine, a four-game fine, a four-game suspension, a 10-game suspension, and one-year banishment.  The new stages are the two-game fine and the 10-game suspension. In addition, the threshold for a positive marijuana test will be raised from 15 ng/ml to 35 ng/ml, reflecting recent actions taken by other testing organizations.
 
·         Discipline for DUI and related offenses will be increased.  A first DUI offense, absent aggravating circumstances, will result in a two-game suspension without pay.  A second offense will result in a suspension of at least eight games without pay.  In either case, a more lengthy suspension may be imposed if there are aggravating circumstances.
 
·         Players currently serving one-year suspensions for a marijuana positive will have their suspensions reduced to 10 games.
 
Previously, the Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified in 2011 utilized the policies in place under the prior CBA.


NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell apologizes for Ray Rice missteps; says, 'Now, I will get it right'

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell holds apologetic press conference, lays out his plans for future, which will include domestic-abuse-prevention training for all 32 NFL teams beginning next month.

NEW YORK - Commissioner Roger Goodell says the NFL wants to implement new personal conduct policies by the Super Bowl.

Goodell was short on specifics at a news conference Friday, his first public statements in more than a week about the rash of NFL players involved in domestic violence. More defiant than contrite as he was hammered with questions, Goodell said he has not considered resigning.

"Unfortunately, over the past several weeks, we have seen all too much of the NFL doing wrong," he said in his opening statement. "That starts with me."

The league has faced increasing criticism that it has not acted quickly or emphatically enough. The commissioner reiterated that he botched the handling of the Ray Rice case.

"The same mistakes can never be repeated," he said.

Goodell said he would meet with NFL Players Association chief DeMaurice Smith next week, and they would work with outside experts to evaluate the league's policies.

Among the areas that will be examined is Goodell's role in discipline. The commissioner now oversees all personal conduct cases, deciding guilt and penalties.

"Nothing is off the table," he said.

Goodell said he believes he has the support of the NFL's owners, his bosses.

"That has been clear to me," he said.

The commissioner and some NFL teams have been heavily criticized for lenient or delayed punishment of Rice, Adrian Peterson and other players involved in recent domestic violence cases. Less than three weeks into the season, five such cases have made headlines.

Vikings star running back Peterson and Carolina defensive end Greg Hardy are on a special commissioner's exemption list and are being paid while they go through the legal process. Arizona running back Jonathan Dwyer was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list, meaning he can't play for the team again this season. Ray McDonald, a defensive end for San Francisco, continues to practice and play while being investigated on suspicion of domestic violence.

As these cases have come to light, such groups as the National Organization of Women and league partners and sponsors have come down hard on the NFL to be more responsive in dealing with them. Congress also is watching to see how the NFL reacts.

Rice was initially suspended for two games. After defending the punishment at first, Goodell admitted more than a month later that he "didn't get it right" and announced tougher penalties for future domestic violent incidents.

Then when a video emerged of the assault on his then-fiancee, the Baltimore Ravens cut the star running back and the league banned him indefinitely.

Goodell reiterated Friday that he didn't believe anybody at the NFL had seen the video before it was published by TMZ. The Associated Press reported last week that a law enforcement official says he sent the video to a league executive five months ago.

Citing Rice's appeal of his indefinite suspension, Goodell declined to specify Friday how the player's description of what happened was "inconsistent" with what the video showed - the commissioner's reason for changing his punishment.

The NFL asked former FBI director Robert Mueller to conduct an investigation into the league's handling of the Rice case. The law firm where Mueller is now a partner, WilmerHale, has connections to the NFL. Goodell insisted Friday that it wasn't a conflict of interest because Mueller himself has not previously worked with the league.

Goodell acknowledged he has learned that interviewing Rice and his now-wife together is an inappropriate way to handle a domestic violence case.

The commissioner declined to address whether any women were involved in the decision to suspend Rice for two games, but conceded that's "exactly what we're concerned about."

"We didn't have the right voices at the table," he added.

The NFL has since added domestic violence experts as consultants. It also announced it is partnering with a domestic violence hotline and a sexual violence resource center.

Goodell said Friday that he will establish a conduct committee. One of the key questions is how to balance the league's desire to take a stance against violent acts with the due process of the legal system.

In a memo to the clubs late Thursday, Goodell said that within the next 30 days, all NFL and team personnel will participate in education sessions on domestic violence and sexual assault. The memo said the league will work with the union in providing the "information and tools to understand and recognize domestic violence and sexual assault."

The league will provide financial, operational and promotional support to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

That other Miami Heat player - Norris Cole - returns to Cleveland, too

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Cleveland State product Norris Cole was back in Cleveland on Friday to serve as grand marshal of the Homecoming parade, and talked about his former teammate LeBron James and his bond with his alma mater.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The prodigal son returned to Cleveland on Friday, flashed his championship ring from the Miami Heat and gushed about his years here and the banner honoring him downtown. 

No, not that guy. The other NBA player with Cleveland ties, the other Miami Heat guard who has two enormous, sparkling championship rings he wears on special occasions. 

Norris Cole still has a soft spot in his heart for Cleveland, -- specifically, Cleveland State and coach Gary Waters -- and he was back in town Friday to serve as grand marshal of CSU's Homecoming parade. 

He drove by CSU's Wolstein Center, where the banner with his smiling face, proclaiming him as the homegrown NBA champion, beams. 

"There's an unbelievable amount of success I owe and appreciation I have for Cleveland State," Cole said after a luncheon at Fenn Tower honoring him. "The fact that they appreciate me enough to support me and put me up there is special. And keep me up there – it's still up there." 

Much of Cole's success with the Heat can be attributed to another Cleveland guy, of course. Cole was drafted in Miami in 2011 – one year after LeBron James took his talents to South Beach for a four-year stint with the Heat.

The two Ohio products developed a quick bond – James' son even sported Cole's trademark flat-top for awhile – and remain friends; they both were on the sidelines of the Ohio State football game against Virginia Tech a couple weeks ago. 

"We're still friends," Cole said. "Business is business, but personal life is personal life. Him coming back to Cleveland doesn't replace those battles we went through together as champions. Our bond, our brotherhood we built, is not going to be broken just because he plays for a different team." 

As much as Cole wanted James to return to Miami and be his teammate, a tiny part of him also is thrilled for Cleveland to see the return of the once-hated star. 

"Obviously, when we play basketball, I'm all Miami Heat," Cole said. "That's who pays my checks, that's what team I play for. I'm all Miami Heat. But, the fact that he's able to come home and the fans here in Cleveland are going to be able to enjoy him again, I'm happy for them, too." 

After all, a part of Cleveland always will be with Cole. Cleveland State is where Cole first was noticed, where he was 2011 Horizon League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, helping him to be the 28th selection in the NBA draft. 

"The relationship I built here is strong, genuine; not just on the court but off the court, with the staff, the student body, the president, and, obviously the coaches and the athletes," Cole said. "I feel like they are just as much a part of my success as my individual hard work. I didn't make it alone. I had people who helped me along the way. Cleveland State helped me develop as a man, socially, mentally, physically. I grew up here. It was great. Going from a high school boy from Dayton to becoming a man when I left, was kind of special."

And seeing his giant face hanging on a banner at Wolstein Center? 

"It's a blessing, man," Cole said. "That's what it is."

9-year-old Nicholas Piesen doesn't let brain tumor handicap his golf game

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Piesen has endured a 65-week chemotherapy schedule to shrink a non-malignant brain tumor, continuing to play golf throughout his treatment and placing seventh in the recent World Championship for U.S. Kids Golf.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio – Typically, Scott and Vicki Piesen don't like to talk about all the complicated medical stuff in front of their son, Nicholas. He's only 9 years old, and he doesn't need to know all the details. 

But a few months ago, the Piesens had a late appointment with Nicholas' neurologist to determine if the tumor in his brain really was related to something even worse. The discussion in front of their son simply couldn't be avoided. 

Nicholas listened as his parents went through all the details with the neurologist, what tests had revealed about how the tumor in the boy's brain had grown like "crabgrass," but that it wasn't cancerous and it wasn't something that would lead to future tumors. 

At the end of it all, Nicholas was the one with the question. 

"Are you saying I'm ill?" he asked the doctor. 

By then, Nicholas had endured nearly a year of a 65-week chemotherapy program aimed at shrinking or at least stalling the growth of the tumor discovered in his brain 12 months earlier. He'd been hospitalized twice when fever struck with a common illness, just out of fear of infection. And he'd undergone treatment to slow to a normal rate his growth – which had been stimulated by the brain tumor. 

But he'd also struck his first hole-in-one in a Cleveland Tour for U.S. Kids outing. He was on his way to being named the Boys 9 Local Tour Champion for the lowest summer average on the U.S. Kids Cleveland Tour. He'd successfully defended his title at the Pepsi/Titan Little People's Championship, and placed seventh at the World Championship for U.S. Kids Golf at Pinehurst, N.C. 

"Nicholas, do you feel sick?" the doctor asked. 

"No," he replied. 

"It's been a great message to us," Scott Piesen said. "There's so many emotions with this, and the doctors just consistently say, 'Look at your son, look at the way he is, and his smile, look at how he's feeling and doing, and things are good.' Things are going really well. We really held on to that emotion, and try to judge so much by, 'Look at what he's able to do." 

What Nicholas Piesen has been able to do in golf in the past year is fairly impressive for a 9-year-old. He has competed in the U.S. Kids Cleveland Tour this year, finishing at the top of his age group in both the spring and summer seasons. More impressively, he placed third among all American boys in his age group at the World Championship for U.S. Kids Golf. 

That he's done it all since he was diagnosed with an optical glioma – in essence, a brain tumor tangled around his eye nerves – and undergone a 65-week treatment plan is even more remarkable. 

"We feel really thankful that he's able, in a lot of ways, to be a typical kid," Vicki Piesen said. "I think in some ways it's [the golf] made him feel healthier. I don't know if there's a mind over matter. Because for Nicholas, if you ask him, he doesn't say that he feels like he's sick or ill. And I think just doing healthy things with his family and friends makes him feel that way." 

The Piesens weren't sure what would happen in June 2013. About a week before, they'd taken Nicholas to the Cleveland Clinic, somewhat alarmed at how big the 5-foot-2 boy was when compared to other second-grade students in the class of second-graders Vicki Piesen teaches at Berea's Grindstone Elementary. 

Immediately, endocrinologist Laurie Tsilianidis was concerned. That type of growth was not normal for the then-8-year-old, and a common explanation might be a brain tumor on the pituitary gland.  She ordered an MRI, and called the Piesens with the results. 

It was an optical glioma – they would find out later it was not malignant and low-grade – and it was wrapped around his brain stem, twisting through nooks and crannies and putting pressure on his optic nerve. 

When Tsilianidis delivered the news, she cried. 

"It was so upsetting that this family was getting this news that would change their lives," she said, adding that she has only had to deliver such news to families a handful of times. 

Appointments with a neurosurgeon, an oncologist and an ophthalmologist quickly were scheduled, where it was determined that the tumor was benign, but also not a candidate for surgical removal. 

A treatment plan consisting of 65 weeks of low-grade chemotherapy was determined to be the best option, and Nicholas began weekly visits to the downtown Cleveland Clinic campus from his Strongsville home. Scott Piesen, a teacher at Berea-Midpark High School, would dash from his own school to his son's, and back to Cleveland for the 3-4-hour chemotherapy appointments. Nicholas has received injections that help stunt his growth so that he doesn't reach puberty until an appropriate age. And he's monitored continuously by doctors. 

The tumor has not shrunk, but it has not grown, either. Chemotherapy is scheduled to end in November, though Nicholas must monitor the tumor for the rest of his life. 

Through it all, Nicholas has managed to continue his weekly Saturday foursome at Columbia Station's Mallard Creek Golf Club that includes his grandfather and dad. Nicholas concedes that his above-average height probably has helped his long game, which includes drives around 200 yards.

Still, he's able to hang with the grown-ups. 

"If he plays the right tees to make it fair, it's not uncommon for Nicholas to have the low score," Scott Piesen admitted. 

But Nicholas is most excited simply to be a kid. To play golf whenever he can, to hang out with his friends on the putting green, and most of all, to have a big celebration when his chemotherapy is finished and he turns 10 in October.

"We're going to have a big party," Nicholas said, grinning.

NFL announces sweeping domestic violence policy; Queen Elizabeth II speaks on Scotland referendum; France joins fight against ISIS: U.S. and World News Links

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Also, Florida grandfather kills daughter, six grandchildren, then himself; President Obama unveils campaign against campus sexual assaults; search continues for missing University of Virginia student; Utah doctor sentenced for murdering his wife; thousands seek refuge from fighting in northern Syria; and Spanish government quells hopes for independence referendum in Catalonia.

Roger GoodellNFL commissioner Roger Goodell talks in New York during a news conference Friday addressing the rash of NFL players involved in domestic violence. 

National news:

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today announced a sweeping domestic abuse and sexual assault policy for the league's 32 teams, mandating all players and staff undergo education and training about how to prevent abuse. (CNN News)

A Florida grandfather who authorities say shot to death his daughter and six grandchildren before turning the gun on himself had a checkered past, landing in and out of jail several times over the last decade, according to criminal records. (Los Angeles Times)

President Obama today announced a new campaign called "It's On Us" as part of the White House's years-long fight against campus sexual assault, asking particularly college men to help stop predatory and violent sexual tendencies among their buddies. (Christian Science Monitor)

Police confiscated a car from a Charlottesville, Va.-area condominium complex today and are searching one condo in the complex in connection with the disappearance of a University of Virginia student almost a week ago. (WUSA-TV Washington)

A Utah doctor convicted of murdering his wife in a case that became a true-crime cable TV obsession was sentenced today to 17 years to life in prison at a hearing in which his daughter called him a monster. (Associated Press)

Former Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland, who resigned from office a decade ago in a corruption scandal, was convicted today of federal charges that he conspired to hide payment for work on two congressional campaigns. (Associated Press)

President Obama praised Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz today, at a time her leadership of the party is being sharply questioned. (Time)

The Justice Department investigation into New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's role in the George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal has thus far uncovered no evidence indicating he either knew in advance or directed the closure of traffic lanes on the span. (NBC News New York)

An attempted drug transaction was behind a shooting Thursday that led to a three-hour lockdown of the busiest terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. (Associated Press)

International news:

Speaking out to a kingdom still processing Scotland's rejection of independence, Queen Elizabeth II sought to soothe bruised emotions with a statement today calling the vote "a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect." (USA Today)

France today became the first country to join U.S. forces pounding targets inside Iraq from the air in recent weeks -- this time in pursuit of militants of the Islamic State group. (Associated Press) Thousands of people have fled fierce fighting in northern Syria between Islamic State militants and Syrian Kurdish fighters, seeking refuge in Turkey. (euronews)

The Spanish government in Madrid has said an independence referendum in Catalonia would be illegal under the national constitution. (BBC News)

Russia today criticized an international investigation into the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane in Ukraine, saying it can be transparent only with more U.N. involvement, even though the world body found the inquiry met international standards. (Reuters)

Sporadic clashes between Yemeni government forces and the Zaidi Shi'ite Houthi rebels besieging the capital Sana'a have residents on edge. (Voice of America)

Torrential monsoon rains worsened by a tropical storm flooded large swathes of the Philippine capital and nearby provinces today, leaving at least three people dead and displacing tens of thousands just days after the region was drenched by a typhoon. (Associated Press)

Ryan Raburn's lost season for Cleveland Indians ends in knee surgery

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Ryan Raburn underwent surgery Friday at Cleveland Clinic to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Will need six to eight weeks to recover.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Ryan Raburn underwent surgery on his left Friday and will need six to eight weeks to recover.

Dr. Rick Parker performed the surgery at Cleveland Clinic to repair a lateral meniscus tear. Raburn injured the knee Saturday at Comerica Park playing right field.

The surgery ended a lost year for Raburn, who hit .200 (39-for-195) with four homers and 22 RBI. Raburn originally injured his right wrist running into an outfield wall in a spring-training game against Cubs in Mesa, Ariz.

Raburn's swing was never the same.

In 2013 Raburn made the Indians out of spring training as a non-roster invitee. He went on to hit .272 (66-for-243) with 18 doubles, 16 homers and 55 RBI in only 86 games. The Indians were so impressed that they signed him to a two-year $4.85 million extension through 2015 with a $3 million club option for 2016.

Raburn, who makes his living against left-handed pitching, hit only .195 (24-for-123) against lefties this year.

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